Cruise Latin America

Winding channels, snow-covered mountains, majestic glaciers and narrow passages: welcome to the magic of the Chilean fjords. PONANT is inviting you aboard L’Austral for an 11-day expedition cruise to the heart of South America’s extraordinary landscapes.

This cruise will set sail from the charming city of Valparaiso, whose historic quarter is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it still bears the traces of its colonial past. You will then head southward to the Chilean channels.

The first port of call on your trip will be the remote village of Tortel, suspended above the water, and its typical wooden footbridges which take the place of streets. Not far from there, your ship will make its way down a small passage to get close to the Jorge Montt Glacier.

You will also discover several glaciers (for example the Brüggen and El Brujo) before the unforgettable experience of sailing along the Strait of Magellan and the Gabriel Channel. Pursue your journey through the fjords and glaciers of Patagonia in a unique atmosphere that will delight photography enthusiasts.

You will also take the Beagle Channel, south of the Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego. Admire the snow-covered peaks of the Cordillera Darwin before rounding Cape Horn, surrounded by the stunning scenery provided by Tierra del Fuego National Park.

Subject to ice and weather conditions. The expedition highlights and itineraries described above illustrate possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed.

L'AUSTRAL

In May 2011, l'Austral joined PONANT's fleet. This superb mega-yacht with 132 staterooms is the result of the expertise of the Italian Fincantieri shipyard and French sophistication, as interpreted by designer Jean-Philippe Nuel. L'Austral remains faithful to our philosophy - to create a unique atmosphere, a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being.

A sleek silhouette softened by elegantly smooth contours and large, arched windows opening up to the sea and the light: so many features come together to give L’Austral her distinctive shape. Precious materials, discreet elegance and a perfect balance between chic and casual, combine to make you feel as if you are on your own private yacht. A design blending tradition and innovation, where a nautical mood has been subtly recreated. A welcoming atmosphere of relaxed sophistication revolves around shades of grey, taupe, white and ivory enlivened by touches of cinnamon, caramel and tan.. So many personal touches create the spirit of a “private yacht.”

You will encounter unique itineraries, calls inaccessible to large ships, chic and elegant yacht-like ambiance, refined and personalized service as well as gastronomic cuisine.

Port of call & excursions

Valparaiso

Located about 100 kilometres south of Santiago, the legendary Valparaiso is the second largest city in Chile. It is also a splendid city, full of history: two qualities justifying its nickname “gem of the Pacific” and its status as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You can stroll along the steep streets, on foot or by cable car, and explore the many admirable sites like the delicate Iglesia de la Matriz,Sotomayor square, Bellavista hill, or Sebastiana house where the author Pablo Neruda lived. At every turning, you’ll get a refreshing view of the sea.

6 November 2019▸7 November 2019 – At sea

Arrival 06/11/2019. Departure 07/11/2019.

During your day at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This day without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.

8 November 2019 – Sailing in the Chilean Channels

Arrival 08/11/2019. Departure 08/11/2019.

Your ship will chart a course towards the South of Chile, to archipelagos and torturous fjords where majestic glaciers seem to meet the ocean... This remote setting is remarkable for the splendour of its sea scattered with islands, and its slow and powerful glaciers that have been transforming and reshaping the landscapes over centuries. Your ship will glide over the calm waters of the fjords to edge closer to these towering walls of ice. The Jorge Montt, Brüggen and El Brujo glaciers particularly stand out. These living giants crack, rumble, and suddenly calve chunks of ice in iridescent colours. This is a real treat for photographers.

9 November 2019 – Tortel

Arrival 09/11/2019. Departure 09/11/2019.

A picturesque, colourful fishing village, Tortel boasts a splendid location in the heart of southern Patagonia, halfway between Puerto Montt and Cape Horn. From the little streets made up of small walkways, you’ll love the grand panorama of rounded mountains, dense forest, the clear waters of the Pacific. If you walk out onto one the many wooden pontoons, you can admire the views as you stand suspended a few metres above the water. The village is scattered with sculptures made by local artists, an excellent introduction to this friendly community

9 November 2019 – Jorge Montt Glacier

Arrival 09/11/2019. Departure 09/11/2019.

Located in the Southern Patagonian Ice Field, the Jorge Montt Glacier is one of the main tidewater glaciers in the region. Aboard your Zodiac® dinghy, you will be able to admire the silent ballet of the numerous icebergs floating in the surrounding waters: a unique and magical spectacle interrupted only by the deafening sound of ice breaking off its base and crashing heavily into the water.

10 November 2019 – English Passage

Arrival 10/11/2019. Departure 10/11/2019.

Between green hills rising from the water and snow-capped peaks, the English Passage is one of the main Patagonian channels. Situated off the south-western coast of Chile, at the end of the Messier Channel, this narrow waterway with a width of just 180 metres offers a unique sailing experience due to its exceptional dimensions and its magnificent natural setting.

10 November 2019 – Pie XI Glacier

Arrival 10/11/2019. Departure 10/11/2019.

The Brüggen Glacier, a coastal glacier in southern Chile also known as Pio XI, is astonishing for its almost surreal dimensions. With a surface area exceeding 1,200 km2, it is the largest of the glaciers making up the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. This gigantic ice field is the third largest ice mass in the world. Straddling the southern Andes Mountains, its breathtaking natural setting inspires sheer wonder and awe.

11 November 2019 – El Brujo Glacier

Arrival 11/11/2019. Departure 11/11/2019.

At the heart of Bernardo O’Higgings National Park, the largest protected area in Chile, discover El Brujo Glacier. Located at the end of the Asia Fjord, this huge wall of ice sculpted by the wind is fascinating and impressive. This magical, natural and grandiose décor that changes as the light plays upon it will be an unforgettable sight.

12 November 2019 – Sailing in the Gabriel Canal

Arrival 12/11/2019. Departure 12/11/2019.

In southern Chile, discover the Gabriel Channel, at the junction of the Magellan Strait and the Magdalena Channel. Some sixty kilometres long, this waterway offers an exceptional sailing experience between Dawson Island and the Tierra del Fuego archipelago. Nestling in the heart of a magnificent natural setting, it provides the opportunity to admire the rugged peaks of the Cordillera Darwin, named in honour of the explorer and naturalist Charles Darwin. In parts, this sea arm is only 350 metres wide or less, giving its rare visitors the unique chance to glimpse the most minute of details of the sumptuous icy landscapes that surround them.

12 November 2019 – Ainsworth Bay

Arrival 12/11/2019. Departure 12/11/2019.

In Ainsworth Bay, in Alberto de Agostini National Park, you will be able to admire one of the most impressive panoramas in Patagonia. Dominated by the Cordillera Darwin Icefield, and notably the Marinelli Glacier, whose walls of ice reach 40 metres in height, this particularly wild and remote place is one of the longest fjords in the region. The subpolar old-growth forests that run along the water are home to numerous natural wonders such as magnificent peat bogs, vertiginous waterfalls and small brooks. This place is also home to exceptional wildlife including elephant seals, Magellanic penguins and numerous bird species.

13 November 2019 – Garibaldi Glacier

Arrival 13/11/2019. Departure 13/11/2019.

Cruise along the narrow arm of Garibaldi Fjord and marvel at its stunning landscapes: thick green vegetation adorns steep mountains, rivalling the beauty of surrounding ice and snow. Further on, Garibaldi Glacier unveils itself: a towering ice titan looming at the end of the fjord that shares its name. Don't be surprised if sea lions and numerous birds accompany you on your enchanting journey into the heart of one of Chile's most beautiful glaciers.

14 November 2019 – Sailing around Cape Horn and in the Beagle Channel

Arrival 14/11/2019. Departure 14/11/2019.

Itﾒs at the meeting point between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans that you enter Chilean Patagonia where you head for the Tierra del Fuego archipelago and its famous Cape Horn. From the top of its impressive 425-metre-high cliff, South Americaﾒs southernmost tip has, for many centuries, seen merchant ships from the world over passing by. Because of its legendary storms and rough seas, getting around the Cape has gone down in history as a challenge for all seafarers. Prepare yourself for a memorable experience, whatever the weather conditions!

14 November 2019 – Ushuaia

Arrival 14/11/2019 late evening. Departure 14/11/2019.

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia lies in a bay opening into the Beagle Channel at the country's southernmost tip. Its colourful houses are framed against towering mountains, snow-capped in winter and summer alike. Downtown, the End of the World Museum showcases Tierra del Fuego's natural and indigenous history. A ride on the heritage railway is an exciting excursion into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, while a cruise on Ushuaia Bay is the perfect way to spot sea lions and Magellanic penguins.

Ushuaia

Disembarkation 15/11/2019 at 07H00 .

Capital of Argentina's Tierra del Fuego province, Ushuaia lies in a bay opening into the Beagle Channel at the country's southernmost tip. Its colourful houses are framed against towering mountains, snow-capped in winter and summer alike. Downtown, the End of the World Museum showcases Tierra del Fuego's natural and indigenous history. A ride on the heritage railway is an exciting excursion into the Tierra del Fuego National Park, while a cruise on Ushuaia Bay is the perfect way to spot sea lions and Magellanic penguins.

Formalities

The information below is current but subject to change at any time without advance notice from government authorities. Please consult your respective government agencies for visa and health information.

Passport valid for at least six (6) months beyond the completion of your trip. Passport must contain at least two completely clear, blank, unused visa pages for each visa required, not including any amendment pages. Visa pages with stains or ink from other pages in the passport are not usable. Guests who deviate from the scheduled embarkation or disembarkation port should research the foreign entry requirements for the port country. Due to government regulations, regrettably, Ponant will have to deny boarding to any guest who fails to obtain the appropriate travel documentation for this trip.

Warning about the use of drones: the use of drones aboard PONANT ships, whether they are sailing at sea, at a port of call or anchored, is strictly forbidden. The use of drones on land in the Arctic and Antarctic regions is also strictly forbidden by international polar regulations. In other regions, it may be possible to use drones on land if permission has been obtained from the relevant authorities of each country and each region travelled through, as well as a pilot’s licence that should be obtained from your home country. Passengers are responsible for obtaining these permits; they should be able to present them at all times. Passengers who do not obtain these authorisations expose themselves to the risk of legal proceedings.

Argentina: should you require a visa to travel to Argentina, we recommend you apply for a double-entry visa as a technical stop in Chile might be scheduled.

Chile: Entry/Exit requirements for Australian and Mexican citizens entering/exiting Chile must have a valid passport and pay a RECIPROCITY TAX that will be issued for a stay of up to 90 days upon payment. Currently, the fee is only charged at the Santiago International Airport. Payment can be made in U.S. currency or by credit card. At time of print, the fees were as follow (subject to change without notice): Australia: US$117 - Mexico: US$23

Theme

POLAR EXPEDITION

Choosing a PONANT expedition cruise means choosing a state of mind: the alliance of elegance and authenticity, of exploration and comfort, of adventure and refinement… The comfort of your ship and your stateroom, personalised and attentive service, refined gastronomy: a very special atmosphere that we take great care to maintain. In the heart of the ice floes of the Arctic and the Antarctic, our luxurious services will ensure that your expedition cruise is an unforgettable experience.

PONANT, polar specialists

With almost 20 years of experience in the extreme regions, PONANT, the world’s number 1 polar cruise company, is a real polar specialist. PONANT will take you to the most remote regions in total safety: our Captains and crew are professionals, specially trained to sail in icy waters. Our latest-generation fleet has the most modern technology to guarantee both your safety and respect for the regions visited. The size of our ships means we can get as close as possible to areas that are difficult to reach, offering a privileged access to preserved sites. Our flexibility enables us to adapt to the surprises inherent to these expedition itineraries.

Professional expedition teams, varied activities

After scouting missions in the field, our Expedition Leaders and their teams of naturalist guides design exceptional itineraries in the polar regions. During the cruise, they organise daily outings and shore visits in Zodiac® dinghies and hikes on land so as to get as close as possible to nature and wild fauna. In the Arctic and in Alaska, the close relationships that our teams have been able to build with the localcommunities will enable you to understand the life of these peoples of the Far North, and to share it for a few hours. On board, the naturalist guides will share their knowledge during various conferences on fauna, the history of the great explorations, geology and climatology…

Transfer + flight Ushuaia / Buenos Aires

For your serenity, PONANT selects a flight and organizes the transfers between the port and the airport. This package is included in your cruise fare.

Disembarkation Day – Ushuaia/Buenos Aires

Disembarkation.

Meet and great at the port (English-speaking assistance).

Transfer to the airport for check-in of the flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires selected by PONANT.

Approximate flight duration: 3 hours, 30 min.

Your programme includes:

Flight Ushuaia/Buenos Aires in economy class

Transfer pier/airport

English speaking local assistance

Your programme does not include:

Tips for the local guide.

Personal expenses.

Other services not mentioned in the programme.

To know your PONANT flight schedule, please contact your travel agent; it is also indicated on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents. Passengers must check in at least two hours before flight departure time.

Important information

Expedition programmes include activities such as Zodiac® outings and landings (sometimes with "wet landing"), moderate walks to more active hikes, all accompanied by your expedition team of naturalist guides.

Ports of call, visited sites, outings and landings will depend on weather conditions, position of ice, winds and the state of the sea. These can force a change of plans at any time. The Captain and the Expedition Leader may at any time cancel or stop any activity, or even modify the itinerary. The final itinerary will be confirmed by the Captain, who will take into account the touristic quality of the sites and above all, the safety of the passengers. His decision will be based on advice from experts and authorities.

Travelling to polar/isolated regions is an exhilarating experience in remote areas: please remember that you are far from modern hospitals with full medical facilities, thus evacuation is extremely expensive. Without adequate medical coverage, all expenses will have to be immediately paid with your personal funds. We urge you to subscribe to full coverage insurance, choose your insurance company very carefully, be extremely vigilant and ensure your insurance is fully comprehensive, especially if you are insured by your credit card. PONANT offers an insurance contract with extensive guarantees, please contact us for more information.

Clothing tips:

A PONANT polar water-resistant parka is offered on board for all departures with the logo “Free Parka” (no children sizes, in case of consecutive cruises, only one complimentary parka).

Half calf rubber boots with non-slip soles, which will allow you to go ashore in 20 cm of cold water, keeping your feet dry for walks and visits on steep paths. Boot rental will be offered onboard (for adults only) on Expedition cruises where the logo “Free Boot Rental” appears. Book your boots up to 7 days prior to departure, on our dedicated website https://boutique.ponant.com/, boots section. You will find them on board after embarkation. For more information, please contact us.

Pre/Post & Overlands

Before your cruise

04/11/2019 – FROM SANTIAGO TO VALPARAISO (1 NIGHT)

Enhance your cruise and extend your trip with a carefully designed programme.

Day 1 – Santiago

Check-in at the Cumbres Lastarria 4*. Official check-in time is 3 pm.

A local representative will be present at the hospitality desk in the afternoon to welcome and answer any questions you may have.

Dinner is at leisure.

Day 2 - Santiago/Valparaiso

Meet your fellow travelers for breakfast.

After check-out, you will board your coach for a two-hour drive to Valparaiso. On your way to Valparaiso, you will pass by Casablanca Valley, Chile’s beautiful wine growing region. Upon arrival in Valparaiso, you will appreciate a panoramic sightseeing drive passing by the Congress building, the Commercial and Financial District and Victoria Square, where a photo stop will be made. You will then drive up to Cerro Alegre. From here, you will start a gentle walking tour to explore the narrow and winding streets passing by the brightly colourful houses of the Upper Valparaiso. Your stroll will end at Paseo Yugoslavo where you will enjoy wide views of the bay and neighbouring resorts.

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant.

After lunch, you will take the famous funicular railway to reach Plaza Sotomayor, located in the lower part of town. You will have some time at leisure to take pictures of the monument dedicated to the Heroes of Iquique. At the end of your visit, you will be transferred to the pier to embark on your ship.

Your hotel:

The Cumbres Lastarria Hotel 4* is located in the heart of Santiago, in the historic neighborhood of Lastarria in a major cultural area of the city. Strategically located, this luxury hotel features an outdoor pool and restaurant. An Art Deco Boutique hotel (with its unmissable façade) offering comfortable rooms, carefully decorated with a modern design.

Your programme includes:

1-night at Cumbres Lastarria 4* (or similar), including breakfast.

Check-in from 03:00 p.m.

Meals and beverage package as per program (mineral water + 1 glass of wine or 1 local beer or 1 soft drink + 1 coffee or tea).

Transfers and visits as per programme.

Local English-speaking guide.

Your programme does not include:

Transfer from the airport to your hotel

Dinner on Day 1.

Tips for the driver and local guide.

Personal expenses and other services not mentioned in the programme.

Please note:

A private transfer from the airport to the hotel can be organized at a supplement. It is imperative that your flight departure details are communicated at least 15 days prior to the beginning of your cruise, in order to secure the proper meet and greet service at the airport.

Early check-in and/or late check-out are available depending on availability and at a supplement.

An additional night is possible, upon request and depending on hotel availability.

Please, contact your travel agent for further detail.

The official currency is the Chilean peso. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, city centre shops and boutiques, or you can change euros in the foreign exchange outlets, or take out Chilean pesos from cash-points and banks. US dollars are also accepted (make sure you have some small denomination notes with you).

If the funicular railway is not working on the day of the excursion, you will have to negotiate over 100 steps down to reach the coach parked in the lower part of town. The walking distance of the tour in Valparaiso is about 500 to 700 meters (less than half a mile) with stairs to be climbed.

Contact of your hotel:

Hotel Cumbres Lastarria 4*:

José Victorino Lastarria 299,

Santiago, CHILE,

Telephone: (56 2) 2496 9000

Duration of the visits are given as a guide only. The order of the visits may be reversed. For the times of your PONANT flight, please contact your travel advisor; they are also shown on your electronic ticket included in your travel documents.

Attention: the prices listed at the time of your reservation can be different from those listed in the brochure. These prices can evolve based on availability and the real time rates of the airline companies selected.

Travellers are advised to check all the information with the authorities concerned prior to the departure date. Ponant advises Travellers to consult the country factsheets relating to the chosen destinations. Ponant specifically draws Travellers' attention to the fact that the information provided may change up until the departure date, and they are advised to consult that information up until the time of departure. CDP invites Travellers to adjust their behavior to the visited country, to exercise vigilance and to avoid carrying valuable objects during their travel.